WASHINGTON – During the first six months of
2003, federally registered Republican party committees raised $139.1 million
and spent $106.8 million, while the Democratic committees raised $56.4
million and spent $39.3 million. This is a 47% increase in receipts for
Republicans when compared to the same period in 2001 and a 39% increase for
Democrats. When compared to the same period in 1999 – 2000, the last
presidential cycle, Republicans registered a 109% increase in receipts,
while the Democrats showed a 48% increase.

As a result of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA),
national political parties are no longer permitted to raise soft money.
These were funds raised outside the limitations and prohibitions of the
Federal Election Campaign Act. During the first six months of 2001, the last
election cycle in which national parties were permitted to raise such funds,
Democrats raised $37 million in soft money while the Republicans raised
$65.5 million.

Contributions from individuals constituted the bulk of the receipts for
both parties. Democrats reported $42.7 million from individuals and $8.1
million from PACs. Republicans reported $129.1 million from individuals and
$6.7 million from PACs. At the end of the reporting period, Democrats had
$22.3 million cash on hand and debts of $8 million while Republicans had
cash on hand of $42.6 million and debts of $2.8 million.

Charts attached to this release provide summary data for the financial
activities of the two major parties for the first six months of the 2003 -04
cycle and comparisons for the same period in the previous seven election
cycles. Also included is a chart by size of contributions made by
individuals to national party committees.